There's nothing quite like a warm, creamy chai latte. With its comforting blend of black tea, aromatic spices and steamed milk, it's become one of the UK's favourite café drinks.
The good news? You can easily make one at home using Dehing Assam 2nd Flush Black Tea Bags. Harvested during Assam's prized second flush season, this single-estate black tea has the bold, malty character needed to create a rich and flavourful chai latte.
What Is a Chai Latte?
A chai latte is inspired by traditional Indian masala chai, where black tea is brewed with warming spices before milk is added. The café-style version is smoother and creamier while still delivering the comforting flavours of cinnamon, ginger and cardamom.
Why Assam Second Flush Tea Works So Well
Our Dehing Assam 2nd Flush Black Tea Bags are made from hand-picked leaves grown on our family-run tea estate in Pengeri, Assam. Harvested between May and June, this prized second flush is known for its rich, malty flavour, deep amber liquor and full-bodied character, making it an excellent choice for chai lattes.
Café-Style Chai Latte Recipe
Ingredients
· 1 Dehing Assam 2nd Flush Black Tea Bag
· 200ml freshly boiled water
· 200ml whole milk (or oat milk for a dairy-free option)
· 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
· 3 lightly crushed cardamom pods
· 2 whole cloves
· A few thin slices of fresh ginger
· Honey or brown sugar to taste (optional)
Method
1. Pour the freshly boiled water into a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger, then simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
2. Add one Dehing Assam 2nd Flush Black Tea Bag and brew for a further 3–5 minutes.
3. Pour in the milk and gently heat until steaming. Avoid bringing it to a full boil.
4. Remove the tea bag and strain out the spices.
5. Sweeten to taste if desired. Froth a little extra warm milk and spoon it over the top. Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon.
Can You Make an Iced Chai Latte?
Yes. Prepare the chai using the same method, allow it to cool completely, then pour it over ice with cold milk for a refreshing iced chai latte.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Chai Latte
· Use a bold black tea like Assam Second Flush.
· Simmer the spices to develop their flavour.
· Froth the milk for a smooth café-style texture.
· Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
· Add a pinch of nutmeg or star anise for extra warmth.
Time to Put the Kettle On
There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly brewed Assam tea combined with warming spices. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate a café-style chai latte in your own kitchen whenever the mood strikes.